Tis the season. Garden shops and
department stores are full of Poinsettias for sale. It is hard to go anywhere
without passing a bright display of this holiday favorite.
With tender loving care this tropical
plant, native to Mexico, will thrive
well past 'Three Kings Day', January 6th.
First choose a healthy plant.
Drooping leaves can be a sign of problems: exposure to cold, overwatering or
lack of sunlight. The small yellow 'flowers' in the center should be bright and
closed or partly opened. Dropped yellow 'flowers' indicate over-maturity and
should be avoided.
Poinsettia are very sensitive to
drafts and temperature fluctuations, therefore it is important to get your
plant home from the shop without damaging it. Cover the plant with plastic or a
paper bag, then move it from the store to a warm spot in your car, not the
trunk. Once home remove it immediately from the wrapping and check the soil for
moisture.
Over-watering is a major problem for
Poinsettia causing leaves to droop and roots to rot. Sticking your finger into
the top inch of soil is the best way to tell if it needs watering. If dry to touch, water the plant. If soil
sticks to your finger, do not water. The colorful foil doesn't allow water to
drain out. Poke a few holes in the bottom to permit drainage.
Poinsettia like bright light. If you
have it displayed in a shady area, move it to a bright spot whenever possible,
but not direct sunlight.
Keep your new plant safe from
children & pets as the leaves are toxic. For more information see Rutgers
Cooperative Extension, Fact Sheet #449 "Caring for your
Poinsettia"
Happy Gardening.
